ANSI/IICRC S590 Assessment of HVAC Systems
Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event –
IICRC S590 Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions & Answers, Exam Preparation,
Comprehensive HVAC Assessment Review, Testing
Methodologies, Sampling Protocols, Restorable vs
Non-Restorable Components, Safety,
Documentation, Reporting & Restoration Work
Plans
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard, what is the primary
purpose of conducting an HVAC assessment following a water, fire, or mold
damage event?
A. To determine the energy efficiency of the HVAC system.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces.
C. To calculate the remaining lifespan of the HVAC equipment.
D. To evaluate the structural integrity of the building's frame.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces.
Rationale: The S590 Standard explicitly defines the HVAC assessment process as a
means to identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces after a damage
event . This is the foundational purpose from which all other procedures flow,
distinguishing it from energy audits or structural inspections.
Question 2: Which of the following building types are covered by the scope of
the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. Residential buildings only.
B. Commercial buildings only.
C. Institutional and healthcare buildings only.
D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare
buildings.
Rationale: The S590 Standard is broadly applicable, containing procedures for
performing HVAC assessments and creating work plans for residential, commercial,
institutional, and healthcare buildings . This wide scope ensures a consistent approach
across various property types.
Question 3: In addition to visual deposition, what other type of retention is the
S590 Standard specifically designed to determine?
A. Heat retention.
B. Odor retention.
,C. Moisture retention.
D. Pressure retention.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Odor retention.
Rationale: The standard lists methods and procedures specifically to determine both
visual deposition and odor retention within HVAC systems . While moisture is a
concern, the standard specifically highlights odor as a key assessment parameter.
Question 4: What is the official title of the deliverable created following an
HVAC assessment as per the S590 Standard?
A. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
B. An Insurance Claim Form.
C. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
D. A Building Occupancy Permit.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
Rationale: The Standard contains procedures to perform HVAC assessments and create
a written report and Remediation Work Plan (RWP) of work . This is the formal
document that outlines the necessary actions based on the assessment findings.
Question 5: The S590 Standard was published and approved by ANSI in which
year?
A. 2020
B. 2021
C. 2022
D. 2023
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 2023
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a
Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event was published as the first edition in 2023 . This is
the initial release of this specific standard.
Question 6: Which of the following is a key topic area included in the S590
Standard?
A. HVAC Refrigerant Reclamation Protocols.
B. Determining Restorable vs. Non-Restorable Components.
C. Thermal Comfort Calculation Methods.
D. Electrical Wiring Diagram Interpretation.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determining Restorable vs. Non-Restorable
Components.
Rationale: One of the core sections of the S590 Standard is dedicated to determining
which components are restorable and which are non-restorable . This is a critical
decision-making part of the assessment process.
,Question 7: Under the S590 Standard, what is the status of the standard as of
mid-2026?
A. It has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
B. It is currently undergoing a revision process.
C. It has been incorporated into the S500 standard.
D. No changes are planned for the next decade.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is currently undergoing a revision process.
Rationale: As of mid-2026, the S590 Consensus Body has begun work to revise the 2023
standard . This indicates the standard is a living document subject to periodic review
and updates.
Question 8: According to the S590 Standard, what is a key objective of the
HVAC assessment principles?
A. To maximize the airflow efficiency of the ductwork.
B. To determine the condition of HVAC systems subject to a damage event.
C. To test the electrical resistance of the HVAC motor.
D. To calibrate the building's automated control system.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To determine the condition of HVAC systems subject to
a damage event.
Rationale: The standard is designed to determine the condition of HVAC systems that
have been subjected to a water, fire, or mold damage event . This is the fundamental
principle guiding the entire assessment.
Question 9: The S590 Standard includes which of the following specific
considerations?
A. Considerations for earthquake and seismic damage.
B. Considerations for flood and storm surge damage.
C. Considerations for water, fire, or mold damage events.
D. Considerations for insect and rodent infestation.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Considerations for water, fire, or mold damage events.
Rationale: The standard's scope is explicitly defined by the type of initiating event, with
specific sections dedicated to considerations for water, fire, or mold damage events .
Question 10: Which document organization is responsible for publishing the
S590 Standard?
A. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE).
B. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
C. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
D. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration
Certification (IICRC).
Rationale: The standard is published by the IICRC, with its full title being the
ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard . The IICRC is the body responsible for developing this
standard.
Question 11: What type of protocol is included in the S590 Standard to guide
the collection of physical evidence from an HVAC system?
A. A cleaning protocol.
B. A sampling protocol.
C. A dismantling protocol.
D. A painting protocol.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A sampling protocol.
Rationale: The standard explicitly includes a "Sampling Protocol" as a core component,
providing guidance on how and where to collect samples from the HVAC system for
analysis .
Question 12: According to the S590 Standard, what is a primary component of
the written report?
A. A marketing plan for the restoration company.
B. A detailed list of all personnel involved in the assessment.
C. Test results and recommendations.
D. A comparative cost analysis of new HVAC units.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Test results and recommendations.
Rationale: The formal output of the assessment includes a section for test results and
recommendations, which is part of the required documentation and reporting criteria .
Question 13: Which of the following is listed as a topic within the S590
Standard?
A. HVAC System Design Principles.
B. HVAC Assessor Qualifications.
C. HVAC Installation Best Practices.
D. HVAC Preventative Maintenance Schedules.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. HVAC Assessor Qualifications.
Rationale: The standard defines the qualifications required for individuals performing
the HVAC assessment, ensuring the assessor possesses the necessary expertise .
Question 14: The S590 Standard provides visual flowcharts to assist the
assessor in what process?
A. The financial approval process for repairs.
B. The step-by-step process of the HVAC assessment.
Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event –
IICRC S590 Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions & Answers, Exam Preparation,
Comprehensive HVAC Assessment Review, Testing
Methodologies, Sampling Protocols, Restorable vs
Non-Restorable Components, Safety,
Documentation, Reporting & Restoration Work
Plans
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard, what is the primary
purpose of conducting an HVAC assessment following a water, fire, or mold
damage event?
A. To determine the energy efficiency of the HVAC system.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces.
C. To calculate the remaining lifespan of the HVAC equipment.
D. To evaluate the structural integrity of the building's frame.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces.
Rationale: The S590 Standard explicitly defines the HVAC assessment process as a
means to identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces after a damage
event . This is the foundational purpose from which all other procedures flow,
distinguishing it from energy audits or structural inspections.
Question 2: Which of the following building types are covered by the scope of
the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. Residential buildings only.
B. Commercial buildings only.
C. Institutional and healthcare buildings only.
D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare
buildings.
Rationale: The S590 Standard is broadly applicable, containing procedures for
performing HVAC assessments and creating work plans for residential, commercial,
institutional, and healthcare buildings . This wide scope ensures a consistent approach
across various property types.
Question 3: In addition to visual deposition, what other type of retention is the
S590 Standard specifically designed to determine?
A. Heat retention.
B. Odor retention.
,C. Moisture retention.
D. Pressure retention.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Odor retention.
Rationale: The standard lists methods and procedures specifically to determine both
visual deposition and odor retention within HVAC systems . While moisture is a
concern, the standard specifically highlights odor as a key assessment parameter.
Question 4: What is the official title of the deliverable created following an
HVAC assessment as per the S590 Standard?
A. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
B. An Insurance Claim Form.
C. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
D. A Building Occupancy Permit.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
Rationale: The Standard contains procedures to perform HVAC assessments and create
a written report and Remediation Work Plan (RWP) of work . This is the formal
document that outlines the necessary actions based on the assessment findings.
Question 5: The S590 Standard was published and approved by ANSI in which
year?
A. 2020
B. 2021
C. 2022
D. 2023
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 2023
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a
Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event was published as the first edition in 2023 . This is
the initial release of this specific standard.
Question 6: Which of the following is a key topic area included in the S590
Standard?
A. HVAC Refrigerant Reclamation Protocols.
B. Determining Restorable vs. Non-Restorable Components.
C. Thermal Comfort Calculation Methods.
D. Electrical Wiring Diagram Interpretation.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determining Restorable vs. Non-Restorable
Components.
Rationale: One of the core sections of the S590 Standard is dedicated to determining
which components are restorable and which are non-restorable . This is a critical
decision-making part of the assessment process.
,Question 7: Under the S590 Standard, what is the status of the standard as of
mid-2026?
A. It has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
B. It is currently undergoing a revision process.
C. It has been incorporated into the S500 standard.
D. No changes are planned for the next decade.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is currently undergoing a revision process.
Rationale: As of mid-2026, the S590 Consensus Body has begun work to revise the 2023
standard . This indicates the standard is a living document subject to periodic review
and updates.
Question 8: According to the S590 Standard, what is a key objective of the
HVAC assessment principles?
A. To maximize the airflow efficiency of the ductwork.
B. To determine the condition of HVAC systems subject to a damage event.
C. To test the electrical resistance of the HVAC motor.
D. To calibrate the building's automated control system.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To determine the condition of HVAC systems subject to
a damage event.
Rationale: The standard is designed to determine the condition of HVAC systems that
have been subjected to a water, fire, or mold damage event . This is the fundamental
principle guiding the entire assessment.
Question 9: The S590 Standard includes which of the following specific
considerations?
A. Considerations for earthquake and seismic damage.
B. Considerations for flood and storm surge damage.
C. Considerations for water, fire, or mold damage events.
D. Considerations for insect and rodent infestation.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Considerations for water, fire, or mold damage events.
Rationale: The standard's scope is explicitly defined by the type of initiating event, with
specific sections dedicated to considerations for water, fire, or mold damage events .
Question 10: Which document organization is responsible for publishing the
S590 Standard?
A. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE).
B. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
C. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
D. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration
Certification (IICRC).
Rationale: The standard is published by the IICRC, with its full title being the
ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard . The IICRC is the body responsible for developing this
standard.
Question 11: What type of protocol is included in the S590 Standard to guide
the collection of physical evidence from an HVAC system?
A. A cleaning protocol.
B. A sampling protocol.
C. A dismantling protocol.
D. A painting protocol.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A sampling protocol.
Rationale: The standard explicitly includes a "Sampling Protocol" as a core component,
providing guidance on how and where to collect samples from the HVAC system for
analysis .
Question 12: According to the S590 Standard, what is a primary component of
the written report?
A. A marketing plan for the restoration company.
B. A detailed list of all personnel involved in the assessment.
C. Test results and recommendations.
D. A comparative cost analysis of new HVAC units.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Test results and recommendations.
Rationale: The formal output of the assessment includes a section for test results and
recommendations, which is part of the required documentation and reporting criteria .
Question 13: Which of the following is listed as a topic within the S590
Standard?
A. HVAC System Design Principles.
B. HVAC Assessor Qualifications.
C. HVAC Installation Best Practices.
D. HVAC Preventative Maintenance Schedules.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. HVAC Assessor Qualifications.
Rationale: The standard defines the qualifications required for individuals performing
the HVAC assessment, ensuring the assessor possesses the necessary expertise .
Question 14: The S590 Standard provides visual flowcharts to assist the
assessor in what process?
A. The financial approval process for repairs.
B. The step-by-step process of the HVAC assessment.
